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By Madu Obi
The five governors of the South East geopolitical zone have called for the resetting of the priorities of the zone to achieve the much needed development.
The governors, who spoke during the South East summit on economy and security at Owerri, Imo State, argued that for the zone to move forward, all hands must be on deck.
Observers at the summit said that if the unity of purpose exhibited by the governors at the Owerri meeting would be allowed to guide them in policy formulation, there is hope for the zone in the near future.
For instance, the Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo advocated for the formulation of 100- year development plan for the region.
He expressed the unwavering commitment of the state government to the South East agenda, adding that his government is already demonstrating its commitment by its comportment.
The governor noted that a new dawn is upon the region, as the people have started clamoring for the unity among the governors.
According to him, the region needs the plan because without a destination in mind, it would be difficult to achieve anything.
Citing his government's 50-year development plan called the 'Anambra vision 2070', Soludo said: "The South East is ready and ripe for business, and the people must believe in their ability to make things right again and move the region forward, in spite of the challenges."
"There should synergy and partnership with the rest of Nigeria, Africa and the international community, to implement the plan because as itinerant people who are everywhere, the Igbos cannot afford to be intolerant and provincial."
Also speaking, the Imo State Governor and Chairman of the South East Governors' Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma preached for unity and cooperation among Igbo leaders and youths to bring growth to the region.
He called for a conference between South East leaders and Igbo youths to address issues affecting the region, particularly in the area of security.
On his part, the Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti, said leaders should create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the zone and urged the people to identify investment opportunities within their domains.
He suggested that where necessary, the governments should intervene in businesses, illustrating with the US government which, he said, invests $30 billion annually in agriculture, energy, transportation, and other areas to ensure food security and economic growth.
The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, advocated for a common strategy and operational plan to tackle security challenges in the region, even as he called for the establishment of a Command and Control Center that would be central to all component states.
The governor of Ebonyi State, Mr. Francis Nwifuru who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Patricia Obila said the summit came at the right time and expressed happiness that Igbo governors have come together to speak with one voice.
The occasion, which was chaired by Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, also had in attendance, the President General Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Chairman of South East Traditional Rulers' Council and Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, Security Chiefs, serving and retired members of the National Assembly, among others.
The summit, which had the theme, "South East Beyond 2023: Time for a Reset", was facilitated by the South East Governors' Forum and supported by Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide.
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